1. HEADACHES
What physiotherapists can do
to help.

2.  Did you know that headaches can be
caused by problems with posture,
muscle tension or stiffness in
joints within the neck.
 A headache which originates from the
neck is one of the most common
types of headache but is just one of many.
Another common type is vascular (this
includes migraines).

3. Neck and
Poor upper back Previous neck
posture Stiffness trauma (e.g.
Muscle whiplash)
imbalance
Sedentary
lifestyle
Muscle CAUSES
weakness Dehydration
Muscle Inappropriate
tightness Stress pillow or sleeping
postures

4. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
• Gradual onset of neck pain
• Pain and stiffness in the
neck
• Tension in shoulders and
neck
• Reduced neck movements
• Dull ache at the back of the
head, behind the eye
socket or temple region

5. PHYSIOTHERAPY
TREATMENT
Your physiotherapist will be able to
assess your symptoms and recommend the
best course of treatment to meet
your individual needs. Some of the
techniques they will use are:

6. MOBILISATION &
MASSAGE
Joint mobilization to
increase the
movements at each
joint.
Soft tissue massage
to release tension in
muscles around the
neck.

7. EXERCISES
Your physiotherapist will
prescribe appropriate
exercises to improve
flexibility, strength
(particularly the deep cervical
flexors) and posture,
depending on your particular
problems.

8. EDUCATION & ADVICE
Your physiotherapist will
provide education and
advice in the following
areas:
• Activity modification
• Ergonomic advice
• Postural advice